Monday, July 09, 2012

Today developer Crystal Dynamics announced that Tomb Raider (2013) will be the next AAA game to be featured in Geoff Keighley’s “Final Hours” documentary series. The first episode stars Zack Levi and the recently announced voice talent for Lara Croft, British-born actress Camilla Luddington.

The developer diary is accompanied by familiar as well as unheard tunes from the game's composer, whose name is currently under embargo. The full press release follows the jump:

ZACHARY LEVI AND CRYSTAL DYNAMICS TO COLLABORATE ON THE FINAL HOURS OF TOMB RAIDER WEB DOCUMENTARIES

Crystal Dynamics Partners With Geoff Keighley To Produce New Installment of Groundbreaking “The Final Hours” Interactive Journalism Series

Redwood City, CA (June 28, 2012) — Crystal Dynamics, a Square Enix studio, today announced that it will take fans behind the scenes for The Final Hours of Tomb Raider. The studio has partnered with video game journalist Geoff Keighley to produce an innovative new installment in his well-regarded Final Hours series, which will include both an App and for the first time, a documentary web series hosted by actor and gamer Zachary Levi.

The Final Hours of Tomb Raider will give fans an unprecedented, fly-on-the-wall perspective of the twists and turns of game development and highlight the key creative forces responsible for reimagining the iconic video game franchise Tomb Raider®.

“I have personally been a big fan of what Geoff achieved with the last two Final Hours projects,” said Karl Stewart, global brand director of Crystal Dynamics. “Sometimes the personal side of game development can get lost in the noise of bringing a game to fruition. Geoff has an uncanny ability to bring that side to life in a very unique and informative way.”

“The Final Hours series documents the creative process behind today’s most anticipated games, with a particular focus on the final stretch of development,” said Geoff Keighley. “In the case of Tomb Raider I’m especially excited because, at its heart, this is a tale about the act of reinvention, both of a studio and of a franchise.”

The Final Hours of Tomb Raider will be available in March 2013 for iPad, PC, and, for the first time via a partnership with Amazon.com, for Kindle Fire.

In addition to the development of The Final Hours of Tomb Raider interactive app, the Final Hours concept will be expanded for the first time with the release of a series of exclusive fly-on-the-wall short documentaries to be hosted by Chuck and Tangled star and long-time gamer, Zachary Levi. The series commences with an exclusive interview on location with the newly announced voice and character of Lara Croft®, Camilla Luddington. Future documentaries will see Levi visit the Crystal Dynamics studio to profile other key team members as they march towards the final hours of development.

About TOMB RAIDER
The Tomb Raider franchise has sold over 35 million copies worldwide and inspired one of the most successful video game film adaptations in history, grossing over $300 million at the global box office with protagonist Lara Croft® becoming a contemporary global icon. TOMB RAIDER® is in development for a multi-platform release, and is slated to launch March 5, 2013.

About Square Enix
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 59 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.